The latest news from Eckhartz Press, and a chance to peek into some of the great previous offerings from our humble little publishing company.
=Rick Kaempfer was out and about, making the rounds this week promoting EveryCubEver. First he appeared on Ray Stevens' show on WLS...
=Then he appeared on the podcast The Heart of the Matter.
=And finally, he appeared on John St. Augustine's podcast for WGN radio.
=Remember to check Rick Kaempfer's Facebook Page (Just One Bad Century) and Blue Sky page for daily EveryCubEver updates. Here is one from last week...
=Great piece in the Patch about The Flip Side this week.
=Larry Rosenbaum also appeared on Scott MacKay's show on The River.
=This past Saturday was Record Store day and The Flip Side co-author Larry Rosenbaum made a few appearances promoting the book. Thanks to everyone in Oak Park and Barrington who came out to see Larry and get their copies of his book.
=And this coming weekend you can meet Larry in Joliet. Fellow Eckhartz Press author Mitch Micheals (Doin the Cruise) will be there as well.
=Ken Korber recently optioned the film rights to his series of children's books about Grace. He is one of three Eckhartz Press authors currently working on turning their books into films. Congrats to Ken!
=How cool is this? Truffle Hunt author Brent Petersen is now a foodie blogger and podcaster, and this photo here just about sums him up perfectly.
=Grun Weiss Vor! co-author Rick Kaempfer was the emcee of a banquet this past weekend, celebrating the soccer club Green White. He gave out MVP awards, crowned a Miss Green White, and helped make the sausage (for real) that was served that night. (Photo: Rick with Donauschwaben president Nicole Herion)
=Eckhartz Press author Keith Conrad is celebrating a birthday this week (April 17). Keith had the misfortune of coming out with his inventive novel during the COVID crisis, so he wasn't able to do any events or in-person media interviews. He did do this Q&A, which will give you an idea of how interesting his novel is.
=Two people who contributed to the Loop Files are celebrating birthdays this week, Jack Landreth (April 14) and Seka (April 15). Jack told stories about his days working as Kevin Matthews' producer. Seka was one of the stars of the photo section (shown below with co-host Stan Lawrence).
=Eckhartz Press author Lauren LoGuidice was in town recently performing her variety show/stand-up special.
=This week in 2020 Roger Badesch got the first copy of his memoir The Unplanned Life (photo). It came just one day after what would have been former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington's birthday (April 15). Part of Roger's unplanned life was working for Mayor Washington for a time. There's a memorable story in the book about the time Roger had to set up the stereo equipment at Harold's house.
=This week in 2021 Roger was interviewed by Steve Dale on WGN Radio.
=This week in 2012, Windy City Reviews posted their review of the first ever Eckhartz Press release, The Living Wills. Here's a portion of what they said...
In the preface, the authors note the novel's structure is influenced by the Harold, an improvisational theater form created by Del Close. While the novel does not exactly follow the form, the interwoven stories lend themselves to the influence of improv. Sullivan and Kaempfer set themselves up for a challenge by telling the stories of five main characters each through a different point of view, but each of the story lines is unique, all the characters are clearly drawn, and there is no confusion for the reader. Short chapters advance the plot quickly and keep the reader engaged.
What struck me most about this novel was its sweetness.
What struck me most about this novel was its sweetness. Sullivan and Kaempfer navigate issues of love, loss, and family dynamics with a care that is crucial to the success of the novel. The straightforward, unadorned prose does no work to convey the depth of emotion in the novel; that job is reserved solely for the characters, and they carry the load well. Though each of the characters trend slightly towards the stereotypical, the reader is able to accept them as individuals thanks to Sullivan and Kaempfer's well-placed personal details. Delmar, the toilet salesman, is a salesman to his core, and his application of sales principles to his romantic relationship is at once comic and endearing. Similarly, the scenes in the parking garage with the executive and the attendant are injected with emotion when we learn that “Reed went through the usual charade of offering a smoke to Henry, who always pretended to consider it before declining.” These details elevate the novel from cliché to something much deeper and more satisfying for the reader.
As difficult as it is to wrap up intricately woven narratives, Sullivan and Kaempfer succeed there, as well. On the whole, The Living Wills was a pleasure to read for Sullivan and Kaempfer's deft characterization and effective structural choices. The rich details about Chicago only add to the novel's appeal, and I find myself thinking of Henry, Reed, and Delmar when I pass Waveland Bowl or a parking area on lower Wacker Drive.
Kareem!
=This week's birthday boy Kareem Abdul Jabbar (April 16) appears in three different Eckhartz Press books, Chet Coppock's Your Dime My Dance Floor, Chuck Swirsky's Always a Pleasure, and Ryan Trembath's Signature Shoes.
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=One of the many celebrity fans of Chuck Quinzio's book Life Behind the Camera is this fellow who spent many years in front of the camera, the great George Takei. George is celebrating a birthday this week (April 20).
*420, man
Rest in Peace
=Sad news this week in 2019 (April 17). We lost Eckhartz Press author Chet Coppock. He was only 71 years old when he perished as the result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Eckhartz Press publisher Rick Kaempfer was dispatched to radio and television stations to eulogize Chet. A few weeks later friends gathered for Chet's memorial service and paid tribute to one of the all-time greats.
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